China

At a Glance

Capital

Beijing

Language

Chinese

Population

1,379,302,771 (July 2017 est.)

GDP Total

$23.16 trillion (2017 est.)

GDP Per Capita

$16,700 (2017 est.)

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

If you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require work authorization depends on the types of activities that you will be conducting during your time in China. If you are unsure if your activities constitute as business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to China may engage in the activities listed below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

Attend business meetings

Attend conferences or seminars

Attend short-term refresher courses or job-training

Auditing company accounts

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for China?

Most nationals require an M Visa to enter China to conduct business activities and must obtain it at a Chinese Consulate or Embassy prior to travel. Certain high-level foreign professionals seeking to travel frequently to China for business may qualify for a Foreign Talent (R) Visa. R Visas allow top-level foreign experts to benefit from faster processing, longer visits, dependent visas for family members and the opportunity to convert to work permits through a streamlined process. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel on whether you may qualify before applying for an R Visa at a Chinese Embassy or consulate.

Hong Kong and Macao nationals may enter mainland China and conduct business activities if they hold a “Mainland Travel Document – Return”. Taiwanese nationals must also obtain a Mainland Travel Document prior to travel to China, as the Chinese government has removed visa requirements. Japan, Singaporeand Bruneinationals are visa-waivered for short business stays if the stay is less than 15 days.

Working in China

What sorts of activities require a work permit?

In China, the requirement for a work permit is generally determined by the duration and nature of the work assignment. Hands-on activities conducted for more than 90 days per calendar year require a work authorization. Work authorization may also be required for remunerated activities and for activities on the list below, even if conducted for a short duration:

Conducting technological or scientific research, management and supervision for a cooperating Chinese entity

Auditioning at a sports institution (this includes coaches and athletes)

Other activities approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security

If I am traveling to China for work, what type of work permit do I need?

The type of work permit required depends on your qualifications and on the nature and duration of your work. Work permits require the sponsorship of a Chinese entity and requirements and processing times may vary considerably from province to province. The most common Chinese work permits are:

Short-Term Work Permit (only athletes, models and artists may currently apply)

Work Permit Card, under three categories: A, B and C (for long-term work activities)

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

All foreign nationals require a Work Permit Card to perform work activities in China, except for residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, who are exempt from the work permit requirement and must obtain a Residence Permit Card if intending to work or study in mainland China for more than six months.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization entail the careful consideration of many factors. BAL recommends that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.